World leaders react to news of bin Laden's death

Transcript: Obama announces the death of Osama bin Laden

World leaders react to news of bin Laden's death

By the CNN Wire Staff

May 2, 2011 -- Updated 1724 GMT (0124 HKT)

A collection of Tokyo evening papers carrying the news of the death of Osama bin Laden on their front pages.

(CNN) -- World reaction poured in early Monday after President Barack Obama's announcement that terror leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan. The United States put its diplomatic facilities around the world on high alert and issued a global travel warning for Americans.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai

Karzai said he hopes the world believes that his country is "not the place of terrorism" after the announcement that the al Qaeda leader was killed in neighboring Pakistan.

"If the international troops/forces are true allies of the Afghans -- they should come out and say that the killing of Afghans, children and elders which took place over the many years on a daily basis was not a good idea," Karzai said on RTA TV.

Afghan opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah, Hope and Change

Bin Laden's killing proves that Pakistan is a "haven" for terror groups, according to Abdullah.

"Killing of Osama bin Laden is pleasant news for Afghans, and now it's proven that al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations are not based in Afghanistan and Pakistan is a haven for them," he said.

Arab League Secretary-General Amre Moussa

"We have never been supporters of al Qaeda or any violence against civilians. This is a permanent and agreed upon Arab position regarding al Qaeda and any activities against civilians. And of course, our position against international terrorism is known."

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Gillard congratulated the U.S. on the operation, and said she acknowledges the role of Pakistan in the fight against terror.

"Our fight against terrorism does not end with bin Laden's death. We must remain vigilant against the threat posed by al Qaeda and the groups it has inspired," she said.

"We will continue our support for the counterterrorism efforts of the United States and our partners, and we will continue our efforts in Afghanistan to ensure that the country never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism."